The Cornhusker State is known for more than just corn and Go Big Red!
Being a maintenance technician in Nebraska could mean living along the river in Omaha or the rugged landscape of Scottsbluff and hundreds of beautiful miles in between.
That also means choosing from jobs and training in larger cities or rural communities.
Nebraskans are known for a solid work ethic and problem-solving skills, which make it a great place to learn how to be a maintenance technician and also get your first few years of experience in keeping systems, properties, and industries running smoothly.
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Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Nebraska
- Earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on math, science, and shop classes to build a strong foundation. If you’re still in high school, look for opportunities to get college credit (at a lower tuition rate) that run in tandem with your current coursework.
- Consider vocational or technical training. Nebraska community and technical colleges offer programs in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. You can also look for colleges that allow high school students to earn higher education credits.
- Gain hands-on experience. Look for entry-level maintenance jobs, internships, or apprenticeships with local employers. Even taking a job as a maintenance worker can help you get experience that pays off in the long run.
- Obtain relevant certifications. Credentials like OSHA safety training, HVAC licensing, or electrical certifications can improve job prospects. Check job listings with your preferred employers to get a sense of what certifications will make you stand out during the application process.
- Pursue advanced skills. Continue education through manufacturer training, specialized certifications, or associate degree programs to qualify for higher-paying roles. Keep in mind the unique agricultural aspects of Nebraska to help compete in a crowded job field.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in Nebraska
Nebraska does not require a statewide license for general maintenance technicians, but certain trades within maintenance, like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, do have licensing or registration rules.
Most general facility maintenance roles don’t require formal licensing, but assisting electricians requires an Electrical Apprentice Registration.
Cities such as Omaha and Lincoln have licensing for HVAC, mechanical, and electrical work, with separate apprentice, journeyman, and master requirements.
Federal EPA Section 608 Certification is mandatory for anyone working with refrigerants.
Electrical or plumbing work may also require a state contractor license or apprentice registration.
While not required, certifications like Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) or technical degrees can boost job prospects.
Always check local rules, as licensing, testing, and registration requirements can vary between municipalities.
Write about the requirements in STATE to become a maintenance technician, provide detailed information, and cite the source/s.
Maintenance Technician Programs in Nebraska
Nebraska’s hallmark college is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), but you don’t necessarily have to pursue a four-year degree to be a maintenance technician in Nebraska.
Nebraska Maintenance Academy
This maintenance tech program at Nebraska Maintenance Academy is a little unconventional, but for the right person, it can be a fast track into the apartment and facilities maintenance industry.
The Nebraska Maintenance Academy offers 12 weeks of hands-on training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, tile, appliance repair, pool systems, OSHA safety, EPA 608 prep, and customer service.
It ends with a four-week paid practicum, giving graduates real-world experience and employer connections before starting a career in property and building maintenance.
If you’re wondering what the catch is, consider this — only 45 students are accepted each year. Candidates are selected on a “most in need” basis.
However, if you’re a good fit and you want to work in apartment maintenance, this could be a golden opportunity.
The Maintenance Technician (MT) training program at Southeast Community College (SCC) is made up of nine short-term classes totaling 216 instructional hours, designed to upskill workers for entry-level maintenance roles.
Students start with Electrical Fundamentals, then can take the remaining courses in any order.
Topics include motor control, electrical troubleshooting, PLCs, mechanical fundamentals, industrial instrumentation, communications, pneumatics, and variable frequency drives.
Classes range from two to four days, each costing $499–$899.
Training is highly hands-on, covering both theory and practical skills in electrical, mechanical, and automation systems, preparing participants for industrial, manufacturing, and facility maintenance work.
SCC offers classes in Lincoln, Milford, and Beatrice.
Those focused on industrial technology might consider Central Community College, offering classes in person across Central Nebraska from Columbus to Hastings, or online.
The college offers a range of industrial maintenance courses, customizable for workforce needs, and includes specialized short courses such as PLC programming and VFD operation.
Associate’s degrees are also available in auto maintenance, construction, energy, and electrical, just to name a few.
Tuition varies between credit hours and short-term courses.
Nebraska residents will get a lower price than out-of-state residents.
To compare, the 2024–2025 costs for full-time tuition living off campus ranged from $3360 to $4800.
From Alliance to Scottsbugg, WNCC has three locations that offer a Powerline Construction and Maintenance Technology A.A.S., diploma, or certificate.
Plus, you can find other maintenance tech specialties like aviation, automotive, and construction.
Tuition ranges from $110 per credit hour for state residents to $129 per credit hour for those living out of state.
If you’re still in high school, tuition drops to $43 per credit hour, but please check the requirements to make that happen.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Nebraska Maintenance Academy | 12143 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68144, USA |
| Southeast Community College | 8800 O St, Lincoln, NE 68520, United States |
| Central Community College | 3134 US-34, Grand Island, NE 68801, USA |
| Western Nebraska Community College | 1601 E 27th St, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, United States |
Salary
Expect a job as a maintenance technician in Nebraska to pay between $47,000 and $70,000 a year.
Salary.com shows us that the median salary is $57,000 in Omaha and $55,670 in Grand Island.
Annual Salary Range:
Annual Salary by Location:
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bellevue | $57,334 |
| Fremont | $56,336 |
| Grand Island | $55,670 |
| Hastings | $55,670 |
| Kearney | $55,670 |
| Lincoln | $56,457 |
| Norfolk | $53,837 |
| North Platte | $55,386 |
| Omaha | $57,334 |
| Nebraska City | $56,275 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 490 | $53,860 | $25.89 | $71,470 | $34,590 |
| Lincoln, NE | 1,470 | $51,220 | $24.63 | $66,550 | $35,810 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | 4,370 | $52,160 | $25.08 | $68,660 | $36,460 |
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General, OCC Code 49-9071, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of employers hire maintenance technicians in Nebraska?
Manufacturing plants, agricultural operations, hospitals, schools, property management companies, and government facilities all hire maintenance techs statewide.
Major Nebraska employers like Union Pacific, Kawasaki Motors, Valmont Industries, Tyson Foods, and BNSF Railway offer year-round opportunities in manufacturing, transportation, and industrial maintenance.
Do maintenance techs in Nebraska work year-round?
Yes, though schedules can vary.
Some industries see seasonal peaks, especially agriculture and construction-related maintenance.
Also, keep in mind the regional differences across Nebraska.
While the entire state can get tornadoes during spring and summer, winters can be especially rough in the western part of the state.
Summers are hot and humid on the central and eastern sides, winters can bring temperatures and wind chills well below zero, and snowfall can be measured in feet at times during major blizzards.
The state gets a lot of wind coming off the Rockies, enough to close interstates or make viability zero during major storms.
Do maintenance techs in Nebraska need their tools, or does the employer provide them?
In most cases, Nebraska maintenance technicians are expected to bring basic hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and flashlights.
Some employers will replace these if they break on the job.
Larger or specialized equipment, like drills, saws, HVAC pumps, or industrial machinery, is more often provided by the employer.
By Nebraska law, employers must supply and pay for required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, gloves, or hearing protection.
Are rural maintenance tech jobs different from urban ones?
Often, yes.
Rural techs may handle a wider variety of repairs due to smaller staff sizes, while urban roles can be more specialized.
Maintenance Technician by State